Man jailed for killing father he met for first time

Summarised from Manchester Evening News's report · Updated 24 Oct, 13:50 · Archive

Martin Greensmith has been jailed for six years after killing his biological father Steven Shevels on Christmas Eve.

Martin Greensmith met his biological father Steven Shevels for the first time at the Queen's Head pub in Willington, County Durham, on Christmas Eve. Greensmith's mother told him about the connection whilst they were at the pub together. The 61-year-old Shevels, who had been drinking, had several exchanges with Greensmith's family before the incident.

Judge Jonathan Carroll heard that Greensmith became "immediately angry and aggressive" after Shevels said something he objected to. Later, outside the pub, Greensmith delivered a "powerful and aggressive push" to Shevels's upper body, causing him to fall and hit his head on the concrete floor. Shevels was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics' efforts.

Greensmith admitted the push but denied manslaughter. A jury at Teesside Crown Court found him guilty after a seven-day trial, and he was sentenced to six years' imprisonment.

Read the report

• Son met his dad for the first time in the pub on Christmas Eve - then killed him on the same nightMartin Greensmith has been jailed for six years after being found guilty of manslaughterManchester Evening News · 24 Oct, 13:11

In this story: Martin Greensmith · Steven Shevels · Queen's Head pub · Willington · County Durham

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